You may have already spotted it at your local coffee shop: a plastic cup filled with shaved ice and toppings like red bean paste, mango, or injeolmi, sold for around 3,000 to 6,000 KRW. Cup bingsu (컵빙수) is having a serious moment this summer in Korea, and it is easy to see why.
Bingsu has always been a summer favorite in Korea. The classic version comes in large bowls, loaded with toppings, and is meant to be shared. It is delicious, but it can also be pricey, often costing anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 KRW. Cup bingsu is a smaller, single serving version that you can conveniently grab on the go and enjoy by yourself.
This summer, nearly every coffee chain has jumped on board. Mega MGC Coffee, Compose Coffee, Ediya, Paik's Coffee, and even Starbucks have launched their own versions. Mega Coffee sold more than 2 million cups in just a few weeks, partly thanks to a viral social media meme in which café staff jokingly begged customers to stop ordering it, which only seemed to make people more curious.
Behind the trend is something a little more practical, too. As everyday prices continue to rise, a cold and affordable treat that you can enjoy alone feels like a small but welcome luxury, and cup bingsu is exactly that. If you have not tried one yet, this summer might be the perfect time to start.
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